There are quite a few programs available to provide assistance to low income individuals & families when it comes to medical care. In addition to the usual outlets such as taxpayer funded Medicaid and free clinics there are plans to assist in buying medicine and receiving supplies for certain chronic illness. Some of these programs are listed below.
This is NOT a health insurance policy. The plan provides discounts at certain health care providers of medical services. Those who cannot qualify for health insurance should consider the Benicard in addition to the resources listed below.
Legal Documents
Legal documents,while not in the category of Patient Assistance Programs, are none the less important forms that everyone needs. Your estate plan consists of atestamentary will, a health care directive ("living" will), and various powers of attorney. Since these documents are put into play when you are incapacitated or dead, you need to make sure the documents CLEARLY EXPRESS YOUR WISHES. Otherwise, you may be better off not having these documents.
You can prepare your own documents if you choose, but if you do so at least pay a qualified attorney to review the documents to make sure they are legal in your state and fully express your wishes. You can learn more about Living Will's and other documents by visiting MedLawPlus.
Another source of information is The Medical Directive and 5 Wishes.
14 million American's are eligible for free or subsidized health coverage but have not signed up. Find out what your options are."For those families who qualify medically and financially, PSI may subsidize the expensive premiums for COBRA, conversion policies, high-risk insurance pools, and open enrollment health insurance plans. "
The HealthWell Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable organization that helps individuals afford prescription medications they are taking for specific illnesses. The Foundation provides financial assistance to eligible patients tocover certain out-of-pocket health care costs, including:
- Prescription drug coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles
- Health insurance premiums
- Other selected out-of-pocket health care costs
Patient Advocate Foundation's Co-Pay Relief (CPR) Program provides direct co-payment assistance for pharmaceutical products to insured Americans who financially and medically qualify. We are pleased to announce that beginning on January 1, 2006 CPR will begin welcoming new Medicare Part D beneficiaries who require assistance with their pharmaceutical co-payments. The Program offers personal service to all patients through the use of CPR call counselors; personally guiding patients through the simple enrollment process.
Now, you may have one less thing to worry about. Your state, and every state in the nation, has a health insurance program for infants, children and teens. The insurance is available to children in working families, including families that include individuals with a variety of immigration status.
The fact is, today, too many honest hardworking American families struggle to make ends meets and,
through no fault of their own, find themselves in serious financial trouble.
If a relatively small amount of money can make the world of difference to your life, NetWish is here to help. The maximum request for aid is $500.00.
Patient Advocate Foundation is a national non-profit organization that seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation assuring access to care, maintenance of employment and preservation of their financial stability.
PAF State Resource Guide (8/11/2006)
State by state guide to resources for support groups and financial assistance. Information on seeking financial relief for a broad range of needs including housing, utilities, food, transportation to medical treatment, home health care, medical devices, and pharmaceutical agents. A powerful resource for all.
Our mission is to increase awareness of patient assistance programs and boost enrollment of those who are eligible. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance offers a single point of access to more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 150 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies
NeedyMeds is the best resource available for people who need help with the cost of medicine and other health care expenses.
RxHope
Advanced Search is a powerful tool that helps determine
your eligibility for both State-Sponsored and
Company-Sponsored Patient Assistance Programs depending on
which medication you need.
Modest Needs is a non-profit organization reaching out to hard-working individuals and families who suddenly find themselves faced with small, emergency expenses that they have no way to afford on their own.
After our father passed away in 2004 and our mother in 2005, we were left with the emotional challenge of losing loved ones, and a pile of medical bills from physicians, the hospital, and other ancillary services. As we organized and reviewed the bills and insurance statements, we also quickly realized that we had been inaccurately charged by our health care providers and insurance had declined payment for services that should have been paid. Fortunately, my sister and I were health care professionals and had the experience and expertise to sort through the confusing paperwork.
We empathize with you and your situation because we have been there. We are a team of health care and billing professionals that do what we do because we believe in the value of the services we provide and care about making a difference in a world of confusion and frustration.
Are you paying too much for health care? How does your hospital rank? How well does your doctor stack up?
Insured Solutions
Guaranteed issue, no health questions. Pre-ex covered after 12 months continuous coverage.
Ministry Sharing Programs
Comment: Before getting involved in any of the sharing programs, you may want to check them out at Ministry Watch
Medi-Share is a non-insurance health care alternative that brings Christians together to share the cost of their medical bills and save money. Compared to mainstream health insurance plans, most Medi-Share families save between $2000 and $4000 per year.
The Christian Brotherhood Newsletter ministry is a medical cost-sharing ministry based on Galatians 6:2: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
The thousands of Christian families who participate in this ministry are called “Subscribers.” Subscribers help themselves and fellow Christians through monthly financial gifts. These gifts are used to meet Subscribers’ medical expenses. In this way we share the burden, bring honor to God and present a testimony of Christ to others.
Christians are helping Christians with medical expenses through a unique ministry that doesn't involve insurance. You can be a part of this growing network of believers faithfully applying Biblical principles.
When we all work together, the burden on each of us is very light. As a result, since 1994 the monthly share has not exceeded $248.00 and is even lower for singles and couples.
Prescription Drug Resources
Crossborderpharmacy.com is a leading global mail order pharmacy which provides high-quality prescription drugs to American patients. In Canada, Israel, Australia, Chile and the UK, drugs cost 15% to 70% less than they do in the U.S., and crossborderpharmacy.com patients can save hundreds of dollars a year on prescriptions.
Pharmacies nationwide have agreed to provide discounts on their medications to people who use this free prescription drug card.
- Uninsured - employed without insurance
- Insured but have no drug coverage
- Unemployed
- Guaranteed acceptable - no medical questions
- All Ages
- For your entire family
Drug Card America, is proud to provide you and your family with our FREE pharmacy program. The Drug Card America card may be used at over 45,000 pharmacies nationwide, including most major chains.
Low cost source, often less than Canadian drug pricing. Shipped with Kosher markings. Usually such packages do not get interrupted by U. S. Customs or the FDA.
Your Rights By State
Pre-existing conditions Exclusion Rules Click link, then search "pre-existing conditions"
States with Guaranteed Issue Click link, then search "guaranteed issue health insurance"
State High Risk Pools Click link, then search "high risk pool"
Non-group rules for HIPAA eligibles Click link, then search "HIPAA eligible"
Small group guaranteed issue Click link, then search "small group guaranteed issue"